Irving Arts Center's exhibition schedule showcases wide variety of styles and artists
Written by Phil Cerroni
The Irving Arts Center exhibitions calendar is filled with variety and styles for the coming year. Photography, mixed media, pottery, sculpture, book illustrations and work by young artists are just some of the featured work on display.
2012 Exhibitions
Global Relay: Around the World in 80 Ways
Aug. 4 – Sept. 30 | Dupree Theater Lobby
The 2012 Transportation Art Contest exhibition showcases award-winning entries by Irving students, ages 6-17. The exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Transportation and Infrastructure Summit, a national conference hosted by the City of Irving.
2012 Edith Baker Art Scholarship Exhibition
Sept. 15 – Nov. 18 | Focus Gallery
This juried exhibition features scholarship finalists from the seven Dallas County Community College District campuses: Arjoon KC of North Lake College, William Benitez of Eastfield College, Jessica Braddock of Richland College, Jonathan Gruchawka of Cedar Valley College, Fernando Johnson of Brookhaven College, Hannah Tyler of Mountain View College, and Candy Warth of El Centro College. The Reception and Scholarship Award Ceremony is Friday, Sept. 21, 6 – 8 p.m.
Myth and Magic: The Artwork of Gerald McDermott
Sept. 22 – Nov. 11 | Main Gallery
Creator of over twenty-five books and films, McDermott combines ancient imagery with contemporary design to portray the transformative power of myth through his bold, graphic renderings of timeless tales from around the world. Organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, TX.
Faces of Classical Music: Photographs by William McEwen
Oct. 6 – Jan. 27 | Dupree Theater Lobby
For a decade, William McEwen has been photographing classical musicians. These intimate black and white portraits with the musicians were taken at their homes and in casual dress. McEwen uses a Wisner 8”x10” view camera and makes contact prints in his traditional wet darkroom. This is the first public exhibition of this body of work.
The Magic of Christmas
Dec. 1 – 31 | Main Gallery
The 20th Annual Holiday Exhibition and Tree Decorating Competition transforms the Main Gallery into a holiday wonderland filed with festive trees decorated by Irving parent-teacher organizations and beautiful artwork by IISD elementary students. This art and tree décor is created based on the magic of Christmas theme. Trees compete for cash prizes and bragging rights awarded by celebrity judges and viewer votes.
2013 Exhibitions
Black and White: An Exhibition of Paintings and Flowers
Jan. 6 – 20 | Main Gallery
This annual exhibition presented by The Association of Oriental Arts features Chinese brush paintings by members of TAO Arts and Ikebana (the Japanese art of floral arranging) by members of the Dallas and Fort Worth chapters of Ikebana International. Artists Reception and demonstrations, Sunday, Jan 6, 2 - 4 p.m.
Haiti Series: Photographs by Terry Cockerham
Feb. 2 – May 26 | Dupree Theater Lobby
Showcasing photographs by long-time Irving resident and journalist, Terry Cockerham, the exhibition documents his trip with a medical team to Haiti in early 2012.
Irving ISD Artwork
March 1 – April 14 | Main Gallery
Two and three dimensional works from IISD Elementary through High School students will be on display in the Main Gallery.
28th Annual Texas and Neighbors Exhibit
Apr. 21 – May 25 | Main Gallery
Presented by the Irving Art Association in partnership with the Irving Arts Center, this juried exhibit features mixed media works from artists in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Western Federation of Watercolor Societies
June 1 – July 7 | Main Gallery
38th annual juried exhibition of water media works from the WFWS, hosted in Irving by the Southwestern Watercolor Society. Nationally recognized water media artist, Mark Mehaffey is the 2013 juror. WFWS is an organization founded in 1975 that is made up of 11 water media societies with a combined membership of over 4800 members from the western states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.
Irving Art Association Winners Exhibit
June 8 – July 7 | Focus Gallery
Award winning artwork from the IAA's annual juried members show.
KidsArts/ Kids’ Works 2013
July 13 – Sept. 1 | Focus Gallery
Painting, photography, sculpture and more by KidsArts 2013 camp participants.
13th Annual Art Connection Exhibit
July 20 – Aug. 24 | Main Gallery
This annual, non-juried exhibition is open to all members, current and new. Entry fee is $5 per work, and artists may submit up to two pieces. Eligible entries will be judged for cash awards in the three categories: Student/Youth, Non-Professional, and Professional. An overall "Best of Show" prize will also be awarded.
6th Annual Transportation Art Contest
Aug. 3 – Sept. 29 | Dupree Theater Lobby
The exhibition showcases award-winning entries by Irving students, ages 6-17 based on a different theme each year. The exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Transportation and Infrastructure Summit, a national conference hosted by the City of Irving.
George Mendoza: Colors of the Wind
Sept. 14 – Nov. 10 | Main Gallery
Featuring colorful paintings and textile designs by artist, George Mendoza who has been legally blind since the age of 15. A native of New York City, he has lived in New Mexico since he was 17. In addition to his art, he is working on a screenplay called “Touching the Sun” based on his autobiography Running Toward the Light and on a feature film based on his story as a runner, athlete, and artist. This exhibition is toured by the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, Texas, a sister Smithsonian Affiliate.
GALLERY HOURS:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday.
